Monthly meetings are usually held the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise stated)

Fresh Ginger Restaurant

64 Main Road North

Corner of Routes 1A & 9

Hampden, ME 04444

862-6208

Dinner & meeting at 6:00 pm

Please check our website for the most current information and menu !

21 attended our Chapter's Christmas party and gathering Saturday Dec 11 at Kim & Cindy's home in Milford. . The food was excellent, and everyone had a great time. The Yankee Swap is always fun, there was some amusing offense and defense in swapping. Rick & Denise, Reggie & Mary, Jerry & Wendy, Jim & Bernadette, Alyre & Debbie, Kevin & Barbara, Hutch & Carol, Rand & Jolene, Bob & Charlene, Greg & Peggy, and our hosts Kim & Cindy all won in the end. Alyre & Debbie won the 50/50 to split $60. thanks to all for your contributions. We had an informal Chapter gathering also, discussion included all the information and programs that benefit all members, like the Levels Program and first aid training. Read on for more local, district and regional info, events, news, and messages from Allen & Claudette Cyr, and Mark Bennett. Also scroll down for more updated links and events below., there's a lot of good reading and fun on linked websites. Next gathering is Thursday January 7 at Fresh Ginger Restaurant in Hampden, hope to see you there!!

Happy New Year and be safe! ...Kevin

From our District Directors...

Maine District Newsletter

December

Well, here we are again, Newsletter time. And, there is snow on the ground, so, I guess, winter is now upon us as is the cold weather. But, we are not alone with cold weather as I heard on the news today that it was also cold in Florida……………..You snowbirds who migrate to Florida for the winter should maybe reconsider and return to Maine. Just a thought……..

We hope that everyone had a great, hearty Thanksgiving as Allen and I sure did.

Allen and I attended the Region meeting in Birmingham, New York on > November 13, 2010 and it was a very educational meeting. We both learned something new about GWRRA as to its inside operations, logic as to why certain rules and regulations are into place along with a lot of already knowledgeable information which has brought back to mind issues that we often forget. All in all, it was quite informative.

New things happening:

There is quite an emphasis on Education for the members at large.

New and old programs are introduced and GWRRA is attempting to reach each member.

The OCP course is definitely one program which each and every member is encouraged to attend and I know that we put it in each newsletter and probably have become “annoying” with this, but, I sincerely encourage it to all. Mark Bennett, District Educator is now able to teach the course as needed.

Many of the new changes in GWRRA will be brought up to all the Chapter Directors who in turn at their individual chapter meeting will convey all the information to you, the members.

There is not much to report in this month of November except, make sure that all members have had their vehicle checked out for the upcoming winter or should I say, the dreaded winter/cold. Check your tires to make sure they are good for the winter.

Have you had your Flu shot yet? If not, there is still a short window of time to get it, either at a local hospital, a pharmacy, or at your family physician.

As I stated in a previous newsletter, if any of you have ideas that you would like to share with all, please feel free to contact us at 207-375-4811. We really would appreciate any and all ideas and it sure would be a huge help to us.

As there is not much to report this month and maybe lots of Christmas parties coming up, you also might just be very busy.

The closing of the newsletter has come. Allen and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all and your families.

What is Christmas to me? A very good question which was asked of me just today. I answered that Christmas is this to me: Family and friends getting together and sharing a meal together with good conversation, warm, fuzzy feeling and of course, the birth of our dear baby Jesus. So, we, as GWRRA members already do that just about every month: getting together and sharing a meal…………..it’s Christmas every month with GWRRA. Think about it.

Merry Christmas to all until the next newsletter. Keep warm, stay safe and be healthy.

Allen and Claudette Cyr

GWRRA Maine District Directors

380 Middle Road,

Sabattus, Maine 04280

207-375-4811 (home)

207-754-2916 (Allen’s cell)

From Our District Rider & Leadership Educator...

RIDER SAFETY LEVELS January 1, 2011

When I volunteered to be the Maine District Rider Educator one of my goals was to get riders and co-riders more involved in our Rider Education Program (REP) levels. Over the last 18 months we, the Maine District, have taken advantage of the program and have some opportunities for improvement.

Before summarizing our participation a brief overview is in order. REP has four safety levels that are determined by an individual’s commitment, education, preparation, and experience. It’s free to sign up for REP levels. If a member wants patches they can be purchased at a nominal cost.

Level 1: Safety by Commitment

You may sign up for Level 1 at any time. There are no prerequisites or minimums to meet. Simply bring your commitment to make riding safer for you and those with whom you ride.

Level 2: Safety by Education

To progress to this level, you must have signed on at Level I, achieved at least 5,000 safe miles since becoming a GWRRA member and have taken an approved riding training course (riders) or an approved co-rider training course (seminar or 2-up riding course) within the past three years.

Level 3: Safety by Preparation

You must be current in Level 2, have a current CPR or First Aid certification and carry a first aid kit on your bike.

Level 4: Safety by Enhanced Preparation and Experience

You must be current and have a full year at level 3, have ridden at least 25,000 safe miles since joining GWRRA, and must have current certification in both CPR and First Aid. Level 4 riders and co-riders also sign a commitment to wear all the recommended safety gear all the time.

How involved has the Maine District become in the REP levels? The table below tells the story.